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My brother owns a boat - nothing like a cabin cruiser, but nice - it has a 351 Ford engine in it (i think it is a ford... maybe a saab). anyway - it is blast. we take it out in the lake (michigan) and jump off for a swim. it would be much nicer for you because here they are only fun 4 months out of the year.

Just a word of caution: The Coast Guard and State and Local law enforcement agencies are starting to enforce regulations similar to those for land-based motor vehicles in regard to alcohol and vessel operation, with the Federal penalties being pretty stiff.

This is especially true in the more populated areas such as Puget Sound, the lower Columbia River, some Northern and Central California areas, etc.

I guess a "designated pilot" may be a good idea on a pleasure boat.

Anyway, I don't want to be a wet blanket, even if I am turning into an old fuddy-duddy after working nearly fifty years on the water. Enjoy your boat.

Just a word of caution: The Coast Guard and State and Local law enforcement agencies are starting to enforce regulations similar to those for land-based motor vehicles in regard to alcohol and vessel operation, with the Federal penalties being pretty stiff.

That is a good point. In Wisconsin here, you pretty much need to work at getting the DNR to pay notice, but once they do, watch out. Occasionally if there are groups of people on the lakes, they will come by and check for permits (fishing stamps and soforth). They will ignore anything else as long as you kept up with those. But if you are so much as a minute expired, missing one, or anything else, if they smell a beer, see smokers, but no ashtrays -- you better have a decent savings account

No Camelrider, you are not being a fuddy duddy. That is an excellent point for all of our new to the art of drinking members that we vets may be taking for granted.

I, personally, don't like boats. I like canoes, but not ocean going vessels. I've taken several boat rides from New Bedford, MA to Martha's Vineyard and back. Not something that made me very happy. Of course, that is why I am not in the Navy.

Cheers

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Where facts are few, experts are many.

I, personally, don't like boats. I like canoes, but not ocean going vessels. I've taken several boat rides from New Bedford, MA to Martha's Vineyard and back. Not something that made me very happy. Of course, that is why I am not in the Navy.